The Lost Boys Sarah Ramirez CIEE Spring 2015

Muai Thai, or Thai-style boxing, has been considered a core part of modern Thailand’s national identity and pastimes for centuries. It represents the biggest spectator sport in Thailand.

In Thailand, as elsewhere, many question whether it is right to let young children fight but many also argue boxing is the only escape route for kids trapped in poverty. In Isaan, the northeastern and poorest region in Thailand, some child fighters can earn more in one night than their parents make in one year of farming rice.

Successful fighters are able to live comfortably with respect from their community and champion fighters are viewed as national heroes. Isaan has made the most champion boxers for the nation’s most prestigious sport than any other region in Thailand.

Bas, age 19, has been fighting for the past ten years. At age fifteen he was discovered by a scout while fighting in Buriram. Getting recruited put him on the path to active stadium fighting in Bangkok and abroad.

“In Bangkok I was never at my best,” says Bas “I worried about my family and missed my own bed. I was afraid to tell my manager when I was sick because you don’t want to show weakness.”

“When I broke my hand, my manager didn’t expect me to keep fighting,” explains Bas “He left to train boxers in Japan and I had no one.”

The honors and success stories of champion boxers epitomize the dream for children living in poverty. Poverty is believed to be a main factor driving children to boxing yet there is no concrete evidence proving a child can fight their way out of poverty.

Most young fighters are unable to exercise autonomy over their careers but Da, age 17, has supported his own education since he began fighting eight years ago.

“I save the money I win,” says Da “I want to fight abroad and then use my money to study sports medicine at university.”

In addition to saving, Da is able to share his winning with his parents. A common draw for young kids is the opportunity to share with their parents and help support their families. Pressure to help their family keeps many children in the ring.

Bas and Da are what their current gym owner and trainer Frances Watthanaya considers high risk fighters, meaning “they have nothing left to lose and no one taking care of them.” The small gym in their village can hopefully provide a support system for these lost boys by creating a space for them to excel at muay thai.

“Muai Thai can improve my life. I have no regrets because fighting is better than getting into trouble,” says Bas, “I get to be on stage and make money.”